Comic Book Review: The Legend Of Wonder Woman #1

13 January 2016Last Updated on 13 January 2016Written by David Cantu1 Comment

My good friend Lety Gallegos (GoneWithTheWords.com) is at it again with another review for us. This time it’s a comic book review for The Legend Of Wonder Woman #1! Enjoy!

“A new WONDER WOMAN 9-issue miniseries begins here with a story written and penciled by Renae De Liz (The Last Unicorn)! In the beginning there was only chaos. But Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, saw a better future—and eventually, her daughter would be destined to bring that new world to life! Before her ultimate fate unfolds, though, Diana of Themyscira must learn the important lessons of an Amazonian childhood!”

The first chapter of this comic book introduces us to Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, and how she came to be the queen. Hippolyta struggled with her immortality and was unhappy at being unable to have children. While deep into her sadness, a mortal baby appeared before her. This first chapter takes us way back into how Wonder Woman was born and gives us a glimpse into her childhood. Diana, being the daughter of the Queen and a Princess, is being groomed by her mother to be the future queen. (If all things go as Hippolyta plans, that is.) Diana feels a strong presence of something evil on Themyscira but no one seems to believe her or sense the things that she does. She asks her mother for battle training, but her mother refuses on the premise that she will never need such skills if she is to be queen. So Diana decides to venture out beyond her confines and runs head on into the dark fog she has been sensing. She is in danger and being only a child, cannot defend herself. Luckily Alcippe of House Ares, shows up and saves her from harm. Diana commands Alcippe to train her to no avail until she mentions the evil she has been sensing. Alcippe has felt it too, Diana insists that she does not want to be helpless and wants to learn how to protect her people. Alcippe agrees to start training her. This is where this first chapter concludes.

There have been many origin stories of Wonder Woman that have been told over the years, but the origin story that has her rooted deep within Greek mythology and the Amazons, is my favorite. This seems to be the direction of this origin story. I like that we get to see some of the mythical beings around the island, and that we see how Hippolyta rose to her stature. Renae De Liz gives us a great beginning to Wonder Woman’s coming-of-age story and also, along with Ray Dillion, gives us such breathtaking and gorgeous artwork. I love how bold, bright and immersive the panels are and the pacing of the story is just right. You get just the right amount of detail of the story, and this chapter sets up the rest of the series really nicely. This series is available in your local comic shops as well as digitally, and if you are a fan of Wonder Woman as I am (or even if you aren’t), I recommend this first chapter. I am excited to keep reading, and I’m totally thrilled about this new series!